Golf Scotland - Scottish Golf Courses and Hotels

History

Variations on the game of golf as we know it today were being played all across Europe as long ago as the 14th century, and possibly even in Roman times. Yet it is the Scots who must be credited with establishing the official game, and encouraging its development all over the world. It was in Scotland that the passion for golf was born. By the middle of the 16th century, the game had become a popular pastime at the highest levels of society - James VI himself was a keen player, as was his mother, Mary Queen of Scots.

In the late 1800's, wealthy middle-class Englishmen began to follow the example of the Royal Family by taking their vacations in Scotland. The expansion of the railroad system at this time allowed people to get to the seaside links, and the English were so infatuated with the game of golf that they took it home with them.In 1744 the Gentlemen Golfers of Leith, led by Duncan Forbes, drew up the first Articles & Laws in Playing at Golf. Although later revised and updated, these original rules set down by the Scottish Professionals of the time, formed the framework for the modern game of golf.